What was once a commercial flop has now become a symbol of resilience and support. Heidi Montag Pratt’s 2010 album Superficial, which initially underperformed both commercially and critically, has rocketed to the top of iTunes charts — all thanks to the heartfelt support of fans in the wake of a devastating personal tragedy.
On January 8, Heidi and her husband, Spencer Pratt, were struck by the loss of their Los Angeles home, which was destroyed by the Pacific Palisades wildfire. The couple, known for their time on The Hills, have received an outpouring of support from fans who rallied behind them by purchasing Superficial on iTunes. As a result, the album, as well as its title track, reached No. 1 on the platform’s charts, a heartwarming moment for the couple amid their challenging circumstances.
In a TikTok video shared on January 12, Heidi expressed her gratitude for the support. “Thank you for the overwhelming love and support of my music and really rallying behind us in this devastating time and making it such a blessing,” she said. “Thank you for helping support us, helping build us back up, helping to encourage us, give us that hope and faith and excitement in such a dark, dark time.”
@heidimontag Thank you! #1 on iTunes albums!!!!!
Superficial, a pop album that was a passion project for Heidi and Spencer, was created during the height of their fame on The Hills. The couple poured nearly $2 million into the album, collaborating with renowned songwriters and producers to craft what they hoped would be a mainstream success. Despite their significant financial and emotional investment, the album failed to chart when it was initially released. At the time, Superficial received mostly negative reviews, with many critics dismissing it as a vanity project from the infamous reality TV stars.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly back in 2010, Heidi explained her dedication to the project, saying, “Every detail was very important to me, because I take this very seriously. Most artists, it’s not their own money, but I’ve actually gone broke putting every dollar I’ve ever made and my heart and soul into this music.”
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Since its release, however, Superficial has garnered a cult following. Many fans felt the album had been unfairly judged due to Heidi and Spencer’s controversial public personas, and over time, some critics have re-evaluated the project more favorably. One of the standout tracks from the album, “I’ll Do It,” went viral on TikTok in 2023, bringing a fresh wave of attention to the album and its music.
In early January, as Heidi marked the 15th anniversary of Superficial, she announced a deluxe edition of the album, which includes additional songs and remixes. The announcement was made on January 7, just a day before the wildfire destroyed their home. In a poignant post shared on Instagram, Spencer, 41, reflected on the loss, noting, “The one positive sign I saw as our house burned down was our son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart. A sign of how much love was in this house. So thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”
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Following the fire, Heidi and Spencer’s fans launched a social media campaign to show their support, encouraging others to buy Superficial and its tracks on iTunes. Their efforts quickly paid off, sending both the album and its title track to the No. 1 spot on the platform. Additionally, the tracks “I’ll Do It” and the newly released single “Go Harder” also made it onto the charts.
“You guys really got Superficial to #1 on iTunes in multiple countries! I have no words for what you have done for me. My heart is so full,” Heidi wrote in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 12.
Celebrities have also joined in to support the couple. Influencer Tana Mongeau revealed that Superficial had become the soundtrack to her own evacuation during a recent emergency, while rapper Flavor Flav posted several TikTok videos featuring “I’ll Do It,” further fueling the song’s resurgence. The viral attention surrounding the album has taken on a life of its own, and it seems Superficial’s second chance is far from over.
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In a TikTok video posted on January 13, Spencer teased an exciting new development for the album’s hit track “I’ll Do It.” According to Spencer, international music star Pitbull may be involved in a remix of the song, potentially giving the track even more momentum.
As Heidi and Spencer work to rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of their home, the support from their fans and the resurgence of Superficial have been unexpected sources of positivity. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of art — even in the face of hardship.
The couple’s journey, from reality TV fame to a rekindled music career, has had its ups and downs. But for now, Superficial stands as a reminder of how far they’ve come — and how much their fans care.
